The 'Professor' is looking forward to another clash with Brazil's historic North American rivals and says he is happy to be opening the World Cup against European opposition

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he is satisfied with Brazil’s World Cup group and is already eyeing what he labelled a ‘clasico’ against Mexico.

The Selecao kick off the tournament against Croatia in Sao Paulo on July 12 and will then head to Fortaleza to face Mexico before their final group game against Cameroon in Brasília.

And Scolari was optimistic about his side's chances of progression following Friday's draw and is already looking forward to his side’s clash with Mexico, who beat Brazil 2-1 in the final of the London 2012 Olympics.

"Our group is good," said the ‘Professor’.

"We have the 'clasico' [against Mexico] which will be very tough in the middle. Then Cameroon, which I think is good for us."

The Seleao have triumphed over Mexico in all three of their previous World Cup clashes – in 1950, 1954 and 1962 – and won 2-0 when the two sides met in June’s Confederations Cup.

However, El Tri have had their fair share of glory over the Brazil, beating the Selecao in the finals of both the 1996 and 2003 editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well the 1999 Confederations Cup.

“It is always very difficult against Mexico, but it will be difficult for them win in Brazil,” continued Felipao.

“It’s a derby that has been played for long time and that is always more difficult than against other teams.”

The 2002 World Cup-winning coach went on to reveal he is happy with the prospect of opening their campaign against Croatia.

"We start against a European team, which was my preference,” he said.

“It is good to first play against a European team, because they will not be as ready to play in our country.

"Europeans teams always take longer to adapt to the conditions in Brazil.”

“The first match is always difficult for all teams, but we live here, we work here, it's our country, so for us it's a little bit easier. In these first three matches it's important we get off to a good start."